Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area, near Ogallala, Nebraska, is a solid spot for those looking to enjoy some lakeside camping. With spacious grassy sites and direct beach access, it’s a great place to kick back and soak up the sun or take a dip in the water.

Campers rave about the clean shower facilities and the fun walking trails that offer stunning views of the lake. Many visitors have enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere, even during busier weekends, with one camper noting, “Camp hosts are super friendly and helpful.” If you’re into biking, the flat roads around the area are perfect for a leisurely ride.

For those who love water activities, this campground is a great base for boating and fishing. Just be mindful of the wind; it can pick up quickly, so make sure your tent is well-staked. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Lake Ogallala offers a mix of relaxation and adventure right by the water.

Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Ogallala. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Ogallala, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Ogallala

The Best Camping Near Ogallala, Nebraska

there are two campgrounds, one on the east and one on the west sides of the lake.  The east side has electrical and water hookups the west doesn’t.  We stayed on the west side toward the south end in a unnumbered site. There are Porta Potty’s fairly close to all sites but water is a little more sparse. The west side is next to Kingsley Dam and is less populated but there is road noise during the day.  The west side is non reservable.  This lake is quieter than McConaughy but is only a couple minutes drive away.  McConaughy is loaded with activities.


Less crowded than lake McConaughy

Lake Ogallala and it’s campground was beautiful! Plenty of fishing, great area for walking, and you can hop right over to lake McConaughy for even more water action, restaurants and beautiful seeneri! The camp sites of most of the campground we small and very close together though.

Great area with wonderful siteseeing

Lake Ogallala Trail is a 9 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ogallala, primarily used for hiking. The lake itself is pretty small (large pond) especially compared to its neighbor Lake McConoughey

The camping area was a little on the primitive side. Morning catfishing right off the banks is excellent!

Fishing area

Clean restrooms with showers. Well wooded and below the dam so there is not much wind.

Quiet camping next to a fishing lake.

Really nice little lake for kayaking and fishing. There was some people swiming in the lake but it was too cold to go in there. Watch out for biting flies. 

Very pretty


I stopped at this campsite on a cross country road trip from NY to NV, as I didn’t know anyone who resided in the great state of Nebraska. Talk about a total hidden gem!! This campground is one of the most beautiful, quiet and serene campgrounds I have ever been to. There are lots of sites right along the water and perfect for fishing!! Absolutely some gorgeous views here.

Hidden gem

Great rout fishing below the dam but the cool thing is that all of the lake and surrounding sites are available to you.  Nice facilities and possibly a bit quieter than some of the Lake McConaughy sites which can become party sites.

Camping below the dam, Close to McConaughy's beaches & old western town

The views are pretty but the lack of full hookup sites and dump stations aren't worth it, in our opinion.  When we booked our reservation, we utilized the options for 50amp site for a 40' camper and water.  What we got was a 50amp site with "community" water available for us to fill up jugs and whatever else held water  that we had to walk several sites down to get from a communal water faucet.  Had we known this, we could have filled out fresh water tank completely to prepare.  It isn't like we never dry dock but a more clear booking site would have helped us prepare.  The trash dumpsters are in the worst possible spot for longer rigs pulling out from Lake Ogallala's SRA sites, including #36.  And, finally...the fact the dumpstations are no where near most of the camp sites, nor are they clearly marked for convenient finding ensures we will not using this location again.

A Big Nope from Us

Such a beautiful place to stay. Ideally, you would want a spot by the water and/or under the shade trees more. For the reservable side, it has electric hook ups and community water spouts you can fill your tanks with. Spots are pretty spaced out. The big lake is easy to get to. Dump stations are at the big lake and should be marked better. There used to be a playground at the campground, but it is gone. Did find one by the dam at the non-electric side of Lake Ogallala.

Beauty

From Colorado Springs, it was about an 4.5 Hour Drive and about 5.25 with "Pit Stops" along the Way.  Upon Arriving, you will need to pay for Nebraska State Park Permit (Out of State $45 Dollars, In State $30) and then a camping fee for camping on the beach which is $12 per day for primitive.  

  

We opted to Buy an annual pass because this was our second trip and purchased on the first (Review #1) and definitely saved us money.  Depending on the season, early summer the water is high and the beach area is not a lengthy.  However, as the summer progresses, the water level lowers and the beach are becomes very long and very easy to get stuck in just a regular truck without a camper.  With a camper is definitely recommended to utiilize the beach towing at $80 to $100 for entry and exit.  This beach towing includes leveling of the camper front to back and side to side.  There are about 10 to choose from, but typically one tower will service a four to five mile stretch of the beach.  

  

With the given amount of traffic of campers in these Covid times, almost all camping areas are full and arriving on Wednesday or early Thursday morning will ensure a better camping experience.  Keep in mind, during holidays it is extremely busy and what you think might be impossible to get another camper beside you, will result in another camper "squeezing" in beside you at wee hours in the morning to avoid the looks.  Both times we went, campers were coming in at 3 and 4 in the morning.  It is best to camp on non-holiday weekends that have a little less people.  

  

I would suggest if you have little kids, to camp on the beach so you can have your camp set-up and also maintain your camp (i.e. cook &amp; clean) while one adult watches the children swim.  It allows us to not have to run back to the camper to grab something or start cooking.  Plus it makes it super convenient with all the inflatables. 

  

As far as the beach goes, the sand is really nice and there typically no rocks or branches in the water.  With that said, there are other spots that have a lot of underwater trees and brush which make an uncomfortable experience and a recommendation of water shoes would help. 

  

There are plenty of Boat Rentals, Jet Ski Rentals, Kayak and Paddleboard rentals in the area that will provide fun and entertainment. Both of the power rentals will run you about $350 to $400 dollars per day and provide great entertainment.  With the lake being 25 miles long, it is very hard to see the whole lake. Boating is enjoyed all day long, but I would recommend the Jet Skis in the morning as the water is a bit calmer, from less boats being on the water. 

  

There are facilities at the top of the beach entrance, which include bathrooms and trash dumpsters.  There are no showers in close vicinity, but you can find some at Lone Eagle Campground.  Beware though, they get crowded very quickly and the line is at peak times. 

  

All in all, I highly recommend Lake Mac, but would not recommend it in the late summer.  Most importantly, the wind is extreme and use extreme caution when bringing out the portable canopies and also RV Awnings.  I could not tell you how many Awnings being destroyed and a graveyard of twisted metal canopies destined for the scrap bin.

Great Stay for the Beginning of the summer!

Stayed here on my cross country drive. Real calm at dusk on this reservoir, it picked up real fast into a certified windstorm by 2AM when I felt like my tent was about to be blown away into oblivion. LOTS of RVs.

Summer windstorms

Mid April,  we were one of a handful of campers.  We had our pick of sites at Lake Ogallala located at the base of the dam.  We selected 38. Due to the high winds and cold, we weren't able to kayak/SUP as planned, but it would be a good place.  Also, great places on the other side of the dam.  The bath house was open, but not the showers, which are pay by the way. There are also Porta Pottys in addition to the 1 modern bathhouse. The tree shaded sites are pretty level, but the tree rooms have buckled a lot of them.  There is no dump station here, you have to go down the road to Little Thunder, but no extra charge.   Speaking of charges,  its pretty pricey.  Sites $32 Plus a separate daily park pass.  State residents $6.  Nonresident $8.  Lastly,  the campground is next to a huge open pasture with lots of cows grazing.  We didn't notice any smell, though.  We would stay again

Lakefront beauty

Stayed one night on the Big Lake and one night at the small lake. Both are very good, just more quiet and less traffic at Lake Ogallala. Very nice camp sites and good fishing.

Quiet place to stay at Big Mac

Absolutely stunning place to camp right on the lake! Just beware if you are parking on the back of loose sand, as some vehicles could get stuck. It was very windy when we were there, so if you’re renting make sure you have appropriate stakes!

Beautiful location, beware of sand

No close restrooms, sites are very close and it costs $25 per night for a basic site

Over priced

Easy access to campsites, clean shower houses, fun walking trails with great views of the lake! Fun boating and atv activities or beach day with the family! 

Tent camping 

We thought this place was beautiful. Loved the beach camping on the lake. You could be on the lake or nestled in the trees. Open camping within the beach area you choose. Get a reservation, but plenty of open space. Gave it 4 stars because it was blowing like crazy when we were there. 

Beautiful Beach Camping 

We paid for a site that resembled a dispersed camping site( and a poor one at that).  We also left early, not wanting to stay an hour more.  Site disorganized, unclean, with old nasty Porta potty’s.  This campground is not for seniors!  ￼Mostly for low income Young families.  ￼ in addition to the camping fee we were required to pay $12 for a vehicle fee.  No showers or even vault toilets.  Walmart is a better deal?￼￼

A nonstarter for us!

Been here two different weekends now as we wait for our more long term spot to open up. Has been very quiet even when packed full. Camp hosts are super friendly and helpful.

Quiet and peaceful

Nice large grassy spots with beach access.
Great flat roads for bike riding. Very few visitors off-season

Photos of Lake Ogallala - Lake McConaughy State Rec Area

Real photos from real campers